Pixel Pleasure

Describe your idea and concept of your work in relation to the festival outlines:

For my submission, I chose to focus on the concept that is old video game entertainment- technology that has become outdated, and yet many still enjoy it to this day. Some people grew up playing outdated gaming systems and reminisce often about their nostalgic feelings. However, these systems have been tossed aside after the release of newer and more advanced technology.

The image itself is a metaphor for these thoughts of pleasures past- a cliche image of a couple dining at sunset. However, the couple is odd in that their heads are outdated gaming systems, "dining" on a similar old controller. Despite being outdated and "low-res", the couple is still able to be happy and communicate their affection during their date. This symbolizes the ability of long-time gamers to get along with other gamers despite being so different.

What kind of communication approach do you use?

I utilized pixel art to communicate my idea, which ties in with the theme of video games by mirroring the technique old games used to render their visual contents.

What are in your opinion concrete benefits to the society because of your communication?

The reflection on outdated gaming system benefits society by providing newer generations with a means of connection between one another- those who played them as children now have a means of connection with complete strangers who experienced the same sensation, even if they were in a completely different part of the world. The object-headed couple consists of two systems of very different appearance from the same era, mirroring the ability to connect closely with those different from you thanks to a similar childhood experience.

What did you personally learn from creating your submitted work?

I went through several iterations of the desired image, fluctuating between image resolutions before settling on this one. I believe that going through iterations of the image helped me learn how to better my design process.

Why is your work, GOOD communication WORK?

My work is good communication work thanks to its mixed use of well-known scenarios and slight surrealism. The mixture allows viewers to first get the gist of the situation, then contemplate the meaning of the oddity of it.

Where and how do you intent do implement your work?

As a student, I plan to use this work as a platform for furthering my skills as an artist and designer.

Did your intervention had an effect on other Media. If yes, describe the effect? (Has other media reported on it- how? Were you able to change other media with your work- how?)

I did not submit my work anywhere on social media. I created my imagery for a college course I am taking at the moment, which pushed me to further explore the concept of "pleasure" in varying ways.